Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system, occurring in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several locations of the disease, which is why the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which forms the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of the disease, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and elderly people.
A feature of the disease is the difficulty of its early diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to promptly consult a specialist when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis in order to prevent irreversible processes.
Reasons
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of dystrophic processes (disorders of cellular metabolism) that transform tissues and provoke complications of metabolic actions, which is caused by an insufficiently balanced diet and improper load on the intervertebral discs.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernias;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increased loads on the spine;
- predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- consequences of previous injuries;
- engaging in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture.However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- difficulty in bending;
- periodic occurrence of a feeling of freezing of the extremities due to circulatory failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- pain that is easily confused with that that accompanies cardiovascular diseases;
- soreness of the mammary glands in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and a full examination by a specialist in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Stages of disease development
Experts distinguish three main stages of development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 – the beginning of the development of the disease.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of stage 1 thoracic osteochondrosis:
- barely perceptible, slight painful lumbago, accompanied by a nagging pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations intensify after strenuous work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor at the initial stage of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 – the progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral discs, which causes limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- visually noticeable deformation of the spinal column;
- decrease in pressure;
- accompaniment of an attempt to place the hand behind the head with palpable pain in the sternum;
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- discomfort in the area of the heart and spinal column of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a fairly long period of time.
Stage 3 is an advanced process that has a negative impact on the entire body as a whole.
Dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain;
- the appearance of intervertebral hernias;
- pinching of blood vessels and nerve roots;
- diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can lead to disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to visit a specialist.Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The key rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is getting rid of pain.Today, there are several optimal treatment options.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite often, both at the acute stage and after it, in order to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- medicinal electrophoresis - the combined effect of direct current and drugs;
- UHF therapy – exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a constant or alternating magnetic field;
- phonophoresis of drugs - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- detensor therapy – relaxation of the muscular frame of the spine using a specialized mattress/mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapeutic methods for treating a degenerative disease, the stage of its development is taken into account.Inappropriate use of physiotherapeutic treatment can aggravate the situation and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods of non-drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect provides a positive effect on the affected area of the spinal column, which provokes a positive dynamics of treatment.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers of this zone have a special threshold of action.
The positive effects of massage procedures are manifested in:
- reducing the level of pain;
- improving blood circulation at the location of the disease;
- eliminating muscle spasms;
- increasing arm muscle strength;
- increasing the mobility of the spinal column and launching regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of thoracic massage it is worth highlighting:
- the beginning of the session should be carried out with light strokes, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- during the massage it is recommended to use squeezing movements, rubbing and patting;
- each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- movements should be carried out along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blades to the neck, upward;
- each side of the thoracic region should be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical therapy (therapeutic physical education) classes provide the opportunity to provide high-quality support for the optimal tone of the muscular frame of the back and help relieve soreness of the paravertebral muscles.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
When doing gymnastics, it is important to consider and adhere to the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition over several months;
- the duration of the lesson should not exceed half an hour;
- gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be performed without the use of additional equipment;
- You should only exercise in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute cardiac pathologies;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6°C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist in combination with a reasonable, competent approach to exercise ensures the successful achievement of remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is carried out by taking tablets, a course of injections, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
Treatment with medications is carried out over several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated through surgery.
Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNS is extremely dangerous to health and can cause irreparable harm.Specialist consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Due to the fact that the drugs are hormonal, their use must be agreed upon with the attending physician.Otherwise, irreparable harm may be caused to the body.
Diuretics
Diuretics that relieve swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complexes
Taking vitamins improves the metabolic processes occurring in the nervous tissue.
In order to restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing functions of the intervertebral discs.
The intensity and dosage of taking medications for thoracic osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of development of the disease.
Antispasmodics
They help relax the muscle frame and help get rid of the problem of constant spasms, starting the recovery process of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Nutrition
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
A diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down pathological processes and helps accelerate recovery processes.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that dietary nutrition during degenerative-dystrophic processes should be based on the completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet must include foods containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, and vitamins B and C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from the diet various kinds of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prevention
In order to prevent the occurrence or aggravation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- giving up bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- organization of exercises according to the recommended sets of exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person’s daily life is largely determined by his health.
When the first symptoms of a spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and select the correct course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.